Two people have been confirmed dead, and two others critically injured after a tanker conveying diesel caught fire in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday near the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat, when the tanker reportedly collided with a stationary truck and overturned, triggering a fire that spread to nearby shops and structures.
The inferno destroyed several shops, goods and vehicles. The tanker driver was trapped in the vehicle but was rescued from the burning tanker and taken to a hospital for medical attention.
Following the incident, police officers from the Odukpani Division were deployed to secure the scene and manage the situation, while the Cross River State Fire Service responded to contain the blaze.
The Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, CR-SEMA, Efa Nyong, subsequently led a joint assessment team comprising officials of the agency and the Nigerian Red Cross Society to the scene.
The team was received by the Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Council, Etim Asido, who took the officials around the affected areas and briefed them on the incident and the extent of damage recorded.
The assessment team observed the impact of the fire on shops and other properties, as the Fire Service continued efforts to completely contain the inferno.
Speaking at the scene, Asido commended the Fire Service for its prompt response and thanked the state government and CR-SEMA for their swift intervention.
Nyong sympathised with the families of the deceased and injured victims, as well as the business owners whose shops and goods were affected by the fire.
He assured the victims that the state government, through CR-SEMA and other relevant stakeholders, would continue to assess the situation and explore appropriate interventions.
Authorities have also advised residents, traders and motorists to stay away from the affected area and allow emergency responders unhindered access to the scene.
The incident has renewed concerns over the risks associated with petroleum tanker movements, particularly around busy commercial areas and communities along major roads in Cross River State.
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